Arrival transfer to Crowne Plaza Muscat (or similar) for overnight stay – rest of day at leisure.

Breakfast

0900 hrs (Muscat- City Tour) 
  
Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbor, Muscat means “Anchorage” and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand Mosque - open 0800 to 1100 only – Thursday and Friday closed - (Ladies fully covered with a head scarf and men in full length trousers) and Natural History Museum (Friday closed) is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront ‘Corniche’ visiting the Fish Market and the colourful ‘Muttrah Souq’. We then proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace; official Palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese Forts Mirani and Jalali.

The rest of the afternoon at leisure.  Overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Muscat (or similar) B

0800 hrs (4 WD) (Muscat- Sur-Wahiba Sands) 
 
This tour along the coastline to Sur offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. Our first stop is the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with translucent turquoise green waters. On clear sunny days while driving along the coast one might be lucky enough to see sharks in the deep blue water or fleet footed Gazelle sprint across the landscape. We also stop at the beautiful Fin’s beach. The pretty Tiwi village nearby provides a surprising contrast with its lush green ‘wadi’ and plantations. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.  The ruins of Bibi Miriam’s Tomb can be seen at the village of Qalhat. Direct drive thereafter to Wahiba Sands for Dinner and overnight stay at 1000 Nights Camp. PL, D

(It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes).

Breakfast (4 WD) Wahiba- Nizwa

Enjoy breakfast in the desert before setting out for Wadi Bani Khalid.  In stark
                              contrast to Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani

Khalid comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The Wadi
has clear deep blue waters where we will enjoy a picnic lunch and relax for a while. 

From here we proceed to Nizwa via Sinaw and Izki. Check in at The
Golden Tulip Nizwa hotel or similar, for an overnight stay.  B, PL, 

Breakfast in the hotel (Nizwa-Jabrin-Nizwa)

0830: This morning we visit Nizwa which boasts the famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th Century and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery. A brief photo stop at Bahla Fort (at present under renovation) listed in UNESCO’s heritage monuments then proceed to Jabrin, where you will find the finest of Oman’s Castles built in the late 17th Century.  Jabrin became a powerful seat of Omani learning. The Castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. We visit Tanuf, Al Hamra Village, situated in the foothills of Jabal Akhdar and enjoy a walk through its oasis and its dense date plantations.  We will also drive to Misfah, a pretty mountain village with original stone dwellings still in existence. While heading for Jebel Shams we stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul before driving to Wadi Nakher. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams is the highest peak, which offers a spectacular view. Enjoy a picnic Lunch en route. Return to Nizwa for overnight stay at The Golden Tulip Hotel or similar. B, PL, 

Breakfast (Nizwa-Jabal Akdhar-Muscat)

Breakfast

Day at leisure and overnight stay at Intercontinental Hotel. 
Other optional tours may be booked. B.

Breakfast

Departure transfer.  (Room until late evening checkout) B.